Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Using Radar Detection Equipment To Slow Down Traffic And Catch Speeders

Earlier this month a Roosevelt Island resident observed:

While waiting for the Red Bus across the street from the FDNY station, I watched a Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department (PSD) car seeming to hide behind the pine trees of the traffic island just north of the fire station. And when a car passed by driving south on Main Street, the officer put on his flashing lights and siren to stop the surprised driver. Then, after a brief conversation, the driver continued south ... and the PSD Speed Detector Trap was then re-set.

I watched this little drama unfold several times without understanding what I was seeing.

When the Red Bus came, a friend with me asked the driver what was happening.

The driver explained that RIOC had just installed stop signs on the road east of the community garden; and the drivers who were "caught" not stopping -- probably Coler employees going home at the end of the day shift -- simply failed to notice the new sign.

Public Safety did something right, I guess? Drivers tend to pick up speed heading south, and they can't see pedestrians crossing the road beyond the turn at the south edge of the garden. Soccer balls are often kicked into this area of Main Street from the Octagon Field as well. It is also the point where trucks will be turning west to go up the access road to the water tunnel project for the next year or so -- a likely place for an accident to develop.

I think this is a good decision. I'm glad because it makes the crossing safer.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported on the use of radar detection equipment to slow traffic and catch speeders during the RIOC December 19 Board of Directors meeting (full RIOC President's Report here).



Also, the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) October 30 report noted:

... In discussing traffic issues in the Octagon area, as documented in Scott Piro’s report, Chief McManus reported that speed bumps were being considered and that due to the speeding, in certain areas on the Island, they would be training the PSO in using the radar guns, and are considering stepping up enforcement following the training.

The Chief mentioned that there was a new Security Director at Coler Hospital who he would be meeting with. He was attempting to create a multi- facetted approach to look at traffic control considering ways to deal with motorized bikes, etc....

and the RIRA PSC November 29 report added:

... Following submission of Scott’s report in October’s PSC meeting, Jack brought concerns to Susan’s attention and an internal meeting is scheduled on December 1st to look at some of the concerns, including speeding around these areas.

Training on the utilization of radar equipment needs to be completed by the PSO, which will be done through the NYPD. There have been minor difficulties encountered in getting our PSO’s spots for the NYPD trainings. The training requires field work to practice, and can take 3-5 days in the field. Speed bumps are still being considered in certain areas. Jack explained the difficulties associated with writing speeding tickets, in what can be utilized as proof.

The committee again stated that other Main Street road markings are worn out, do not match the Stop signs at certain intersections, or worn out, like on the Helix, causing safety concerns for motorists and foot traffic. The enforcement of traffic regulations for motorized bike was addressed. The Chief is aware of the problem and will be initiating more enforcement of the laws, for deliveries that come onto the Island....

Mr. Piro's traffic report was published in the Main Street WIRE.